Homeopathy Myths

Debunking myths and ideas that the uninitiated often have about homeopathy.

Myth 1. Homeopathy is an unproved science.

Fact:Homeopathy is based on experimental pharmacological and clinical data. Over the years, homeopathic medicines have been extensively studied for their efficacy in a variety of indications. Clinical studies have been conducted in India as well as other countries. The physical basis of the homeopathic medicines is still not clear but there is enough clinical data to prove its efficacy. All the principles of homeopathy are based on sound logic and experimental data.

Myth 2. Homeopathic medicines are only sugar pills which act more as placebos and have no medicinal value as such.

Fact: Yes, the white sugar pills, as such do not have any medicinal value. But these act as vehicles or carriers for the medicines, which are alcohol based. Otherwise the medicine can be taken directly or dissolved in water. Homeopathic medicines have been scientifically studied the world over and found to be effective in a wide range of diseases. Thus they are not placebos.

Myth 3. Homeopathy is slow acting and cannot be used in acute cases of diarrhea, fever, cough, cold, etc.

Fact:Homeopathy is fast acting in acute cases and can be effectively used in treating infections, fever, cold etc. Unfortunately, people tend to go to a homeopath only when the acute problem becomes chronic. Naturally, these cases take longer to treat. Also, most people take recourse in homeopathy in cases of arthritis, allergic asthma or skin conditions etc., which take a longer time to treat with any other medicines.

Myth 4. Homeopathy is a ‘magic remedy’ that can treat any disorder.

Fact:Homeopathy like any other field of medicine, has its limitations. For example, it cannot treat cases where surgery is unavoidable, many dental cases, etc.

Myth 5. Homeopathic doctors are quacks who do not have formal training in the field of Medicine.

Fact: Qualified doctors practice Homeopathy, in most parts of the world. In India, there are over 200 homeopathy medical colleges and world over the number is close to 500, which offer degree and post -graduate studies in Homeopathy. At present, there are over 2,00,000 trained homeopaths in India and at least half-million across the globe.

Myth 6. One has to follow strict dietary restrictions while on homeopathic treatment.

Fact: Some patients are asked to abstain from onions, garlic, coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol etc. as these substances interfere with the action of certain homeopathic medicines. But then, restricting alcohol and tobacco is also safe and healthy.

Myth 7. Homeopathy is only useful in chronic cases.

Fact: Very often it is – where everything else has failed! But the true reason for this perception is because people turn to homeopathy so late when everything else has failed! After years of allopathic treatment often an illness becomes chronic, the treatment will now naturally take longer than in case of using homeopathy right from the beginning, the recovery period is very less. Homeopathy medicines are equally effective in chronic and acute ailments.

Myth 8. Homeopathy cannot be used in diabetic patients.

Fact: It can be used! The minute amount of sugar globules (the little round pills) taken daily does not matter. Sugar intake in the daily diet is significantly higher than that taken by a few globules. In very severe cases, the dilution may be taken as drops in water or over lactose.

Myth 9. The homeopath gives the same white pills for all types of illnesses. How can they be really effective?

Fact: Depending on the illness, homeopaths medicate with different medicines. The sugar pills serve only as a vehicle for transfer of the medicine. The selected medicine, out of a range of more than 3000 different dilutions, is targeted to the individual problems.

Myth 10. Are there really no side effects of homeopathy medicine?

Fact: Generally there are no side effects of homeopathic medicine if prescribed in potencies of 3CH and above. However, some tinctures and triturates in very low potencies like Ix, 2x have some side effects of minor nature. Sometimes, homeopathic medicines in higher dilutions may also elicit drug-proving in sensitive individuals. But just like any other medicine, homeopathy medicines should be used with caution and in chronic ailments, they should not be taken without consultation with a qualified homeopath. If taken carefully with proper individualization and under care of a qualified homeopath, usually homeopathy has no side effects.

Sir I have a query about having homeopathy medicine. It is that my friend is suffering from some psychological disorder (mild depression) and is having homeopathy treatment for the same. He use to take alcohol like twice in a month may be 150 ml each time(40%) so is there any chance of interference in the treatment due to the intake of alcohol. Please reply soon thank you